This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Facebook Shuts Down Vile Rape And Violence Group Linked To ADF Troops

The group promoted domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse of children
chameleonseye via Getty Images

Facebook has shut down a group sharing material promoting domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse of children, which allegedly had at least 100 Australian defence force personnel as members.

The Victims of Abuse in the Australian Defence Force Association analysed eight per cent of the 30,000 likes of the Facebook site SNAFU - Situation Normal All F****d Up - and identified 100 serving Australian defence personnel.

Some of the material shared on the site carried misogynistic messages or cartoons and memes promoting child sex abuse.

Association secretary Jennifer Jacomb alerted Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan to the site in July and says it was a national security risk because it was being monitored by Chinese and Russian nationals.

"It shows the ongoing culture of abuse is alive and well in the Australian Defence Force," Ms Jacomb said.

The Defence Department said it had approached Facebook and requested the page be shut down for violating community standards.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.